§ Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in the light of prevailing bus fares in the Abersychan area, hardship is arising from the attendances which unemployed persons over 60
8W
§ Mr. ThorntonAn analysis of the unemployed by age and duration of unemployment is made twice a year. The following table gives the position at the most recent count and at the comparable count in the earlier years specified, for persons registered as wholly unemployed for over 26 weeks.
years of age are compelled to make at Pontypool employment exchange; what are the results of the experiments being conducted in certain areas testing the feasibility of reducing attendances at employment exchanges; and whether as an experiment he will reduce the required attendances at Pontypool of any unemployed person over 60 years of age whose home is far away.
§ Mr. GunterIf, because of disability or infirmity, it would cause real hardship to an unemployed person, whether over 60 or under 60, to go to the Employment Exchange, attendance may be excused. I know of no special reason for making any other concessions to people living in the Abersychan area.
The experiment in certain areas in one-weekly attedance to prove unemployment and payment of unemployment benefit by post is proceeding quite well, but it will be some time yet before it can be fully appraised and a decision taken about whether it should be extended.